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KUALA LUMPUR - Australia’s rich Islamic history and multicultural identity were highlighted in Kuala Lumpur through the unveiling of a detailed architectural model of the historic Adelaide City Mosque, symbolising decades of friendship, cultural exchange and growing people-to-people ties between Australia and Malaysia.
The Australian High Commission in Malaysia, together with the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, officially launched the model yesterday as part of efforts to strengthen cultural understanding and showcase Australia’s longstanding Islamic heritage.
The launch ceremony was attended by Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia Danielle Heinecke and Shadi Alsuleiman, Australian National Imams Council president and Alliance of Australian Muslims founder.
During the ceremony, Heinecke described the unveiling as an important reflection of Australia’s multicultural identity and historical diversity.
“Today’s unveiling is a powerful representation of Australia’s rich heritage and multicultural identity.
“It underlines the strong people-to-people ties between Australia and Malaysia, reflecting the contribution Muslim communities have made to Australia and serves as a bridge for deeper cultural understanding between our countries.
“To this end, we are pleased to partner with the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, which is another example of our bilateral institutional relationships and a shared appreciation of our diverse cultures and faith traditions,” she said.
Established in 1888 by Afghan cameleers, the Adelaide City Mosque is recognised as Australia’s oldest surviving Muslim place of worship and remains an important symbol of the country’s Islamic history.
The mosque model will now form part of the permanent collection at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, joining architectural models of Islamic landmarks from across the world.
The project also reflected close collaboration between both countries. Due to the absence of original architectural plans for the historic mosque, Malaysian designers Technibuilt travelled to Adelaide in 2025 to conduct detailed surveys and produce updated architectural drawings.
The completed surveys were later presented to the mosque’s managing committee as a gesture of appreciation for the community’s support throughout the documentation process.
Director of the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia Syed Mohamad Albukhary said the museum welcomed the contribution as part of its broader commitment to promoting cross-cultural appreciation through Islamic heritage.
“We are pleased to accept the model of the Adelaide Mosque from the Australian High Commission as part of our continued commitment to preserving and promoting cross-cultural appreciation through Islamic art and heritage.
“This model reflects the shared values of faith, community, and multicultural understanding, demonstrating how Islamic history and culture continue to play a meaningful role in contemporary societies, including both Australia and Malaysia,” he said.
As part of the programme, Imam Shadi also delivered a public lecture where he spoke about his experiences as a Muslim living in Australia and the evolving role of mosques in fostering openness, education and community engagement.
“The Adelaide City Mosque represents more than a place of worship; it showcases how faith, dialogue and service can come together to build inclusive communities and deepen understanding in a diverse society.
“It also highlights how modern mosques can serve as spaces for faith, education and community connection,” he said.
The launch comes following the 70th anniversary of Australia’s diplomatic presence in Malaysia in 2025, commemorating decades of bilateral cooperation and friendship between the two countries.
Australia and Malaysia continue to maintain close ties across multiple sectors, including education, defence, trade, investment and cultural diplomacy, with the Adelaide City Mosque model serving as another symbol of shared values, inclusivity and mutual respect between both nations.